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Big Question

How can precise passing and smart movement create attacking opportunities in netball?

Learning Objectives

  • Send a netball using bounce and chest passes with accuracy and appropriate power
  • Receive a ball effectively and make quick decisions about next actions
  • Signal effectively for passes and move into space after passing

Key Outcomes

  • Students will demonstrate accurate bounce and chest passing techniques
  • Students will show effective communication through hand signals
  • Students will link passing skills with movement to create game-like sequences

Equipment & Resources Required

Netball
15 (1 per 2 students)

Check correct inflation, distribute around court perimeter

Alternative: Size 4 basketballs, foam balls for students with catching difficulties

Coloured Bibs
15 (various colours)

Have different colours ready for group identification

Alternative: Coloured bands, team shirts

Dish Cones
20

Use to mark zones and boundaries clearly

Alternative: Spots, chalk lines

Sun Markers
8

Place in centre of circles for reference points

Alternative: Small cones, hoops

Key Vocabulary

Bounce pass

A pass where the ball is bounced on the ground to reach the receiver

Chest pass

A direct pass from chest level using both hands with no bounce

Signalling

Using hand gestures to communicate where and when you want to receive a pass

Follow-through

The completion of the passing action with arms extending towards target

Space

An area on court not occupied by other players

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

  • Basic ball handling and catching skills
  • Understanding of personal space and team games
  • Simple passing techniques from previous units

Current Skills

  • Accurate bounce and chest passing techniques
  • Effective signalling and communication
  • Linking skills to perform movement sequences

Next Steps

  • Advanced passing under defensive pressure
  • Tactical awareness in 7-a-side netball
  • Position-specific skills and responsibilities

Milestone Indicators

1
Consistent pass accuracy over 5-metre distances
2
Quick decision-making when receiving
3
Smooth transition between passing and movement

Key Teaching Points

  • W-grip hand position is fundamental to all netball passing accuracy
  • Step into pass for power and follow through in direction of intended target
  • Silent signalling with hands is tactically superior to vocal communication
  • Movement after passing is essential for creating space and maintaining flow
  • Receiving with soft hands at waist height ensures ball control
  • Quality technique must be maintained even when working at speed
  • Linking skills together creates more effective game performance than isolated techniques

Common Misconceptions

  • Palms should touch the ball when passing - correct with finger and thumb control
  • Bounce passes should bounce near the receiver - correct to 2/3 distance point
  • Shouting for the ball is helpful - explain tactical advantage of silent signals
  • Passing hard shows good technique - emphasise accuracy and appropriate power
  • Standing still after passing is acceptable - stress importance of continued movement

SEN Adaptations

ADHD
  • Short activity bursts, clear boundaries marked, regular movement and variety
dyspraxia
  • Larger balls for easier handling, simplified movement patterns, extra practice time for coordination
autism spectrum
  • Clear visual schedules, consistent routines, quiet zones available for sensory breaks
visual impairment
  • Use brightly coloured balls, verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for positioning
hearing impairment
  • Visual demonstrations of hand signals, written instruction cards, clear visual cues for activity changes
physical disability
  • Seated passing variations, modified distance requirements, adapted equipment as needed

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting passes in challenges, measuring distances for pass accuracy, calculating angles for diagonal passes

Science

Forces and motion in ball flight, body mechanics in passing technique, impact and absorption in receiving

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, direction and movement concepts, mapping movement patterns

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, communication skills, resilience when learning new skills, fair play and respect

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Position at corner of area for visibility of all groups, move between activities to provide individual feedback

Observation Focus

Watch for correct passing technique, safe movement patterns, and effective communication between students

Intervention Points

Step in if students struggling with technique, unsafe contact occurring, or confusion about activity rules

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate: Exaggerated technique points for clear visibility, use slow motion for complex skills, model positive communication

Verbal Cues
  • 'W-grip, step, follow through!'
  • 'Soft hands to receive!'
  • 'Signal where you want it!'
  • 'Move after you pass!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 30m area, clear of obstacles and suitable for netball activities

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards, adequate grip for quick direction changes

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks
  • Check netballs are correctly inflated and in good condition
  • Ensure bibs are securely fastened and visible
  • Verify cones and markers are stable and clearly visible

Risk Management

Key Risks
  • Ball impact injuries from hard passes
  • Collisions during movement activities
  • Slips and falls during direction changes
  • Contact during defensive activities
Risk Mitigation
  • Use soft balls for tagging games
  • Establish clear boundaries and spacing between groups
  • Emphasise controlled movement and safe contact
  • Progressive skill building from static to dynamic

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points
  • Position for maximum visibility of all groups during activities
  • Monitor high-activity areas during game situations
  • Check technique safety during passing practice
Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid support, contact emergency services if required